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​2024 Awardees

Congrats to the 2024 Awardees!

Thanks to everyone who submitted their videos and joined us at our 2024 Conference!

First Place

Ruchi Chauhan Ruchi Chauhan is a Ph.D. student at the Food Science Institute, Kansas State University, working in Dr. Scott Smith’s research lab. She completed her B.S. and M.S. in Chemistry in India. Her research focuses on innovative applications for low falling number wheat, particularly in identifying value-added uses for this underutilized resource in the food industry. After completing her Ph.D., she plans to work as a food chemist in the food industry. View Video

Second Place

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Takehiro Murai Takehiro Murai is a Ph.D. candidate in Food Science at the University of Minnesota. He works under Dr. George Annor in the field of cereal chemistry where his current primary interest resides in brewing. In the past, he has worked with ion chromatography, gluten kinetics, extrusion, and machine learning. Takehiro graduated with his B.S. in Food Science from the University of Minnesota in 2021. Outside of the lab, he works as a bartender and is currently studying to become a sake (Japanese rice wine) sommelier. View Video

Third Place

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Hojjat Abdollahikhamene Hojjat Abdollahikhamene is a dedicated food scientist currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Food Science at South Dakota University. His research centers on the effects of germination on legumes, enhancing our understanding of how plant-based foods can be nutritionally improved. He holds a master’s degree in Seafood Processing and Technology from the University of Tehran, and his passion lies in advancing food science, particularly in quality control and product development. As the chair in his food lab committee, he contributes to upholding high standards in food science research and education, with technical expertise that spans various laboratory testing methods and data analysis tools vital for innovative food science research. View Video